Concern about Darling River salt levels

A far west ecologist says the level of salt in the Darling River is almost double the recommended level.

Paul Burton from Wilga Station, near Wilcannia, says there has not been good rain on his property for more than six months.

He says the river level is low and the level of salt is alarming.

"The current readings near me are at 1500 units," he said.

"Now relatively speaking sea water is at 15,000 units, but anything over 800 units is a bit of an issue particularly for plants and animals, and at the moment it's running at 1500 units."

Mr Burton says he hopes water coming downstream from flooding in Northern New South Wales and Queensland will help clean it out.

But he says the high salinity is causing problems.

"Well I think it's having an impact on a lot of people who would number one be using that water to shower with, to use domestically," he said.

"So it's not just the salt it's the water quality and the organic matter in it.

"But the salt, if you've got a bit homestead garden, and most homesteads along the Darling would have that and even people who live in towns like Menindee will soon start to see plants starting to suffer a little."